4 Useful Tips to Make Dental Care Fun for Kids

Oral health is something that matters your whole life—from the moment you have teeth and forever after! But sometimes, children struggle to establish, maintain, or improve their oral hygiene habits, which ultimately spells bad news for their smiles moving forward. And as a parent, it’s up to you to help your little one understand the value of taking great care of their teeth, as well as helping them achieve healthy and bright pearly whites. Better yet, you can make things much more fun for your kid, too! Here are some useful tips from your pediatric dentist that are certain to help.

Let Them Pick Out a Fun Toothbrush

Your child’s toothbrush is perhaps the most important item in the bathroom when it comes to caring for their teeth, and since your child is going to be using it often, you should be sure that you provide them with something they’ll actually enjoy operating! Many brushes come in cool colors and designs, and some even play music while you brush! Electric toothbrushes are also a great option, as they can make things easier for your kid. But at the end of the day, be sure that it’s something they’re comfortable with using.

Kid-Friendly Flossers

Flossing is just as important as brushing, but for kids, it isn’t always as easy. Fortunately, there are many varieties of kid-friendly flossers out there that can make things much easier, and in many cases, more fun! Consider something like GumChucks—they’re shaped like nun chucks and make the overall process a little more engaging, and they also come with collectibles that kids love! Even simple colored or fun-shaped floss picks can prove fun and useful; in any case, be sure that your little one is using them correctly.

Make Brushing a Family Activity

As a parent, you should be pushing for the family to spend time together whenever possible—and while brushing isn’t always the most exciting of activities, simply making it a family event involving the whole gang can make things much more engaging! It’s also worth noting that this allows you to lead by example; showing your child exactly how to care for their smile will make it easier for them to eventually do it on their own.

Develop a Reward System

Children need to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily, just like adults—so keeping track of their habits using a calendar can also allow you to implement a reward system. If they’re able to brush and floss as needed for an entire week, you should reward them with a treat or their favorite activity during the weekend!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your child isn’t just brushing effectively—they’re enjoying the process! Even though a healthy and bright set of pearly whites is a reward in itself, your little one will appreciate the enjoyment they get out of the process if you help to make things fun.

About the Practice

The team at Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is thrilled to provide an exceptional level of service for families in the Chicago area! They offer a wide range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services that are certain to help your little one achieve the brightest and healthiest smile imaginable. If you have any questions about our services or would like to arrange a visit for your child, feel free to contact us today for further assistance.